The mission of the San Mateo County Historical Association is to inspire wonder and discovery
of the cultural and natural history of San Mateo County.

Object Record

Catalog Number

2015.018.001

Description

Ellinwood Coachman's Coat, 1890s. Heavy black long double-breasted wool coat has long sleeves, a black velvet collar and two rows of six plain (brass?) round 1" buttons down the front. There are two large pockets in the front on either side; each have scalloped flaps with three of the round buttons each securing flap at points (ends and center) of the scalloped edge. Back bottom of coat is split with two similar 1" round buttons at the waist on either side of the split. Back of sleeve has a matching "cuff" to the front pockets that is oriented vertical rather than horizontal, is narrower and has has three 1/2" buttons on the scalloped points. Black (cotton?) lining is shiny on the side that the wearer would touch. There are two inside breast pockets, rectangular in shape with slit openings at top.

"THE HASTINGS / SAN FRANCISCO" (Black cloth label with gold lettering in collar)

Provenance

Coat was worn by Carl Anderson, long-time coachman of Dr. C.N. Ellinwood. Dr. Ellinwood was the owner of the 19th century French Guiet carriage (1996.026). Donor has pictures of Anderson wearing this coat and driving that carriage. Anderson was still with the Ellenwood family at the time of his death in 1927.

Notes

Similar in style to one in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/81727 [8/2/2015].